7 First-Time Homebuyer Tips Every Buyer Should Know — And How LoanGoal’s VA & FHA Loans Make Homeownership Possible Nationwide

Buying your first home is exciting — but it can feel intimidating if you don’t know where to start. The California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) recently shared “7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers”, offering smart guidance for anyone looking to purchase a home in today’s market.

Whether you’re buying in California, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Washington, Arizona, or anywhere nationwide, the right mortgage program makes all the difference. That’s why thousands of homebuyers choose LoanGoal, one of America’s most flexible VA and FHA lenders — with no overlays, manual underwriting, and approvals down to 500 credit scores.

If you’ve been turned down before, or you’re unsure where to start, this guide is for you.

1 Buy a Home as a Long-Term Lifestyle Choice

DFPI advises buyers not to treat their first home purely as an investment. Think about stability, lifestyle, and the needs of your family. Homeownership is one of the best long-term wealth builders — especially if you choose a loan program with strong buyer protections like VA and FHA loans.

2️ Know What You Can Afford (Your Payment Matters More Than the Price)

Most experts — including DFPI — recommend keeping your housing payment around 31–40% of your monthly income. That includes:

• Mortgage
• Taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA dues
• Utilities

LoanGoal helps buyers nationwide understand their budget before they shop — and gives accurate payment estimates for VA, FHA, and alternative programs.

3️ Check Your Credit Score — But Don’t Let It Stop You

Here’s the truth:
Many lenders have overlays that force buyers to have higher credit scores than what VA and FHA programs actually require.

LoanGoal does NOT.

LoanGoal VA & FHA Highlights

• VA Loans → Down to 500 credit score
• FHA Loans → Down to 500 credit score
• Manual Underwriting Available
• No overlays that cause buyers to get denied elsewhere
• Flexible debt-to-income ratios
• Rapid loan approvals nationwide

If another lender told you NO — LoanGoal may tell you YES.

4️ Understand All Costs of Homeownership

According to DFPI, first-time buyers should understand more than just the mortgage payment. At LoanGoal, we review:

• Taxes (including local county rates)
• Home insurance
• HOA/condo dues
• Inspection fees
• Appraisal
• Closing costs
• VA funding fee or FHA MIP (if applicable)

We make sure you know the full picture before making an offer.

5️ Save for a Down Payment (Unless You’re VA Eligible!)

VA Loans — $0 Down in All 50 States

If you’re active-duty, prior military, National Guard, or Reserves, the VA loan is hands-down the best mortgage in America.
LoanGoal is a VA specialist lender, helping veterans buy with:

• Zero down payment
• No mortgage insurance
• Low rates
• Flexible credit policies

FHA Loans — 3.5% Down (or Even 3.5% with Lower Scores)

Perfect for first-time buyers who may not qualify for conventional financing.

And yes — LoanGoal offers manual underwriting for FHA too.

6️ Get Your Documents Ready

DFPI recommends preparing:

• Paystubs
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• ID
• Employment history

LoanGoal simplifies this with secure digital uploads and a fast pre-approval system that works for buyers anywhere in the U.S.

7️ Get Pre-Approved Before Shopping

A strong pre-approval letter makes your offer more competitive — especially in states with fast-moving markets like:

• Florida
• Texas
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Washington
• California

LoanGoal pre-approvals are veteran-friendly, FHA-friendly, and accepted nationwide.

Why First-Time Buyers Choose LoanGoal

Whether you live in a major metro like Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, Charlotte, or in a suburban or rural market, LoanGoal is built for you.

LoanGoal Advantages

• VA & FHA approvals down to 500 credit scores
• Manual underwriting for buyers denied elsewhere
• No overlays
• Fast closings (VA loans closed in as little as 10–15 days)
• Nationwide coverage
• Great for first-time buyers, veterans, and low-to-moderate income households
• Friendly experts who guide you step-by-step

Thousands of buyers who were told “no” somewhere else have gotten a “YES” through LoanGoal.

Ready to Buy Your First Home? LoanGoal Can Get You There.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer and want a lender who understands your goals — whether VA, FHA, or other programs — LoanGoal is here to help.

• Pre-qualify now at www.Loangoal.com
• Fast approvals even with lower credit scores
• Nationwide service — local expertise

Your homeownership journey starts here — and LoanGoal is ready to help you take the first step.